Powerful to read your testimony about why you do it and it makes so much sense. I think that can inspire others in a big way. When we realize how precious these memories are it magnifies. Future generations will be able to know you so well.
What an unbelievably moving newsletter, thank you, Jenna. As always, I am in awe of your beautiful video editing, and seeing that video was moving in a whole different way. Reading this touched something deep in me, both a tenderness and a fear. I’ve never been afraid of aging, but it’s sobering to think about now that I accumulate dents and losses and am experiencing my kids’ departures and my parents’ (in one way and another). I feel more vulnerable than I ever have before. That’s not a bad thing, but it is a tender thing. I am wishing you well as you I am wishing you well as you all make it through those college apps and appreciate sharing this journey with you.
Thanks for sharing with us your life and journey. Our memories for the next generation are important to document. I've been thinking about my grandmother as well. She died the day before I was to turn 20, Christmas Eve. 20 years of life in America, she never did get a chance to go back and visit her homeland. She told me many stories of the Japanese occupation and how her father stopped letting her go to school at 10 years old since she was female. Married at 15 or else the Japanese will capture you and more stories.
Hope you have good family time as you get through those college applications with C. Perhaps your mom can you fill in on some stories.
Jenna - always appreciate your vulnerability and willingness to share your life with us. My grandmother and great-grandfather had Alzheimer's. It concerns me as well and I have some of the same fears you do. Mostly I fear treating my family poorly if I am unable to remember them.
We went through the college applications a couple years ago. It was nerve-wracking but it worked out in the end. Now David is a sophomore and doing great. It is a transition phase for sure but wonderful to see our kids do well.
Have a great holiday season and enjoy your time away from the computer!
I have deep anxiety about losing my parents before i've learned more about their lives / past / childhoods / families, of which I know very little because they don't often talk about it and it never feels like the right time to ask the questions. In fact, the one time I got a long-form story from my dad about his time in the Korean army was only when I had a assignment for an oral history class and I *had* to do it. Maybe 2024 will be the year.
Jenna I had no idea you were on Youtube! Immediate subscribe. This meditation on documenting and the frays of family history was really beautiful. Happy holidays and see you in 2024!
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. It has especially been helpful for me as we're about the same age (maybe even exact), and so much of what you write is what I mull over. It's nice to know others are feeling similarly. It's so interesting how we are our worst critic. What I see of you superficially, when you share that rare photo of you, is someone whose natural beauty I wish I possessed, a poise I aim to achieve but always seem to fall short. You are style stands out as well. I see nothing of the things you grapple with, lol. A phrase often goes through my head when I see old pictures of people when they were younger: "We are all beautiful when we're young, aren't we?" WIsh I had the foresight then to have appreciated that about myself. I'm trying to settle into that mindset now, but it's hard having gained some menopausal weight, and the reality in the drop in energy, stamina, and strength adding to the mix. I keep telling myself that I better enjoy myself now because it's all I have. I hope you and your family settle into some rest and relaxation this holiday break. Wishing you a phenomenal 2024 and I look forward to more of your writing.
Your writing never fails to dig deep into me, Jenna. It's always the richest journey to read what you share and the video is a seamless video accompaniment. Just lovely. I certainly can understand the urge to document as I share in your same fear of memory loss, too. Although, as it all ends with me I don't feel the personal urge to document for the future as much. However, as one who came from a family of buried secrets and dismissed stories you are offering your kids an *invaluable* gift to be sure. Wishing you and yours the best in the new year. xo B
I mourn all the history and stories that my grandmother and then my father took with them when they passed. I feel like I know so little and this makes me so sad. It saddens me too that I didn't push and ask more but it's just so easy to slough it off or feel like it just isn't the right time or something that I often ask myself: was I simply afraid to push and know more? Thank you so much for sharing, Jenna. I always appreciate your words and marvel at some of the similarities between our journeys.
I love this. I’m the same - after my grandfather passed in 2014 I regretted not asking him more questions when he was alive. My mom also doesn’t know a lot so I feel like it’s my duty to document and create a record of our existence to pass down to my kid.
Powerful to read your testimony about why you do it and it makes so much sense. I think that can inspire others in a big way. When we realize how precious these memories are it magnifies. Future generations will be able to know you so well.
Thank you for coming to me (nearly) every week, always with something beautifully said (and photographed) and something important to think about.
This might be my favorite newsletter of 2023. Thank you for being you. 🫰🏼✨️
Happy Holidays Jenna. I'll be sending your daughter good college acceptance vibes!
I agree totally with this sentiment about documenting your life - and your video is really inspiring!
Thanks for sharing, Jenna. Sending love and continued blessings for the coming year to you and your family.
What an unbelievably moving newsletter, thank you, Jenna. As always, I am in awe of your beautiful video editing, and seeing that video was moving in a whole different way. Reading this touched something deep in me, both a tenderness and a fear. I’ve never been afraid of aging, but it’s sobering to think about now that I accumulate dents and losses and am experiencing my kids’ departures and my parents’ (in one way and another). I feel more vulnerable than I ever have before. That’s not a bad thing, but it is a tender thing. I am wishing you well as you I am wishing you well as you all make it through those college apps and appreciate sharing this journey with you.
Thanks for sharing with us your life and journey. Our memories for the next generation are important to document. I've been thinking about my grandmother as well. She died the day before I was to turn 20, Christmas Eve. 20 years of life in America, she never did get a chance to go back and visit her homeland. She told me many stories of the Japanese occupation and how her father stopped letting her go to school at 10 years old since she was female. Married at 15 or else the Japanese will capture you and more stories.
Hope you have good family time as you get through those college applications with C. Perhaps your mom can you fill in on some stories.
Merry Christmas ⛄🎁⛄ and on to 2024 ~~~🏞️
Jenna - always appreciate your vulnerability and willingness to share your life with us. My grandmother and great-grandfather had Alzheimer's. It concerns me as well and I have some of the same fears you do. Mostly I fear treating my family poorly if I am unable to remember them.
We went through the college applications a couple years ago. It was nerve-wracking but it worked out in the end. Now David is a sophomore and doing great. It is a transition phase for sure but wonderful to see our kids do well.
Have a great holiday season and enjoy your time away from the computer!
I have deep anxiety about losing my parents before i've learned more about their lives / past / childhoods / families, of which I know very little because they don't often talk about it and it never feels like the right time to ask the questions. In fact, the one time I got a long-form story from my dad about his time in the Korean army was only when I had a assignment for an oral history class and I *had* to do it. Maybe 2024 will be the year.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, Jenna! I loved the video. xo
Jenna I had no idea you were on Youtube! Immediate subscribe. This meditation on documenting and the frays of family history was really beautiful. Happy holidays and see you in 2024!
Thank you for this lovely post and the reminder of time passing and how important it is to make lasting family memories 💙
I have loved diacovering your newsletter this year and the similarities we share in this stage of life! Hope you have (relatively) stress-free break 😀
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. It has especially been helpful for me as we're about the same age (maybe even exact), and so much of what you write is what I mull over. It's nice to know others are feeling similarly. It's so interesting how we are our worst critic. What I see of you superficially, when you share that rare photo of you, is someone whose natural beauty I wish I possessed, a poise I aim to achieve but always seem to fall short. You are style stands out as well. I see nothing of the things you grapple with, lol. A phrase often goes through my head when I see old pictures of people when they were younger: "We are all beautiful when we're young, aren't we?" WIsh I had the foresight then to have appreciated that about myself. I'm trying to settle into that mindset now, but it's hard having gained some menopausal weight, and the reality in the drop in energy, stamina, and strength adding to the mix. I keep telling myself that I better enjoy myself now because it's all I have. I hope you and your family settle into some rest and relaxation this holiday break. Wishing you a phenomenal 2024 and I look forward to more of your writing.
Your writing never fails to dig deep into me, Jenna. It's always the richest journey to read what you share and the video is a seamless video accompaniment. Just lovely. I certainly can understand the urge to document as I share in your same fear of memory loss, too. Although, as it all ends with me I don't feel the personal urge to document for the future as much. However, as one who came from a family of buried secrets and dismissed stories you are offering your kids an *invaluable* gift to be sure. Wishing you and yours the best in the new year. xo B
I mourn all the history and stories that my grandmother and then my father took with them when they passed. I feel like I know so little and this makes me so sad. It saddens me too that I didn't push and ask more but it's just so easy to slough it off or feel like it just isn't the right time or something that I often ask myself: was I simply afraid to push and know more? Thank you so much for sharing, Jenna. I always appreciate your words and marvel at some of the similarities between our journeys.
I love this. I’m the same - after my grandfather passed in 2014 I regretted not asking him more questions when he was alive. My mom also doesn’t know a lot so I feel like it’s my duty to document and create a record of our existence to pass down to my kid.